President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has joined the world in celebrating the late Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, following his posthumous recognition with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Recording Academy of America.
In a statement issued by the presidency, President Tinubu described Fela as “more than a musician,” highlighting his role as a fearless voice for the people, a philosopher of freedom, and a revolutionary whose music confronted injustice and reshaped global sound.
“The world of music has honoured a giant: Fela Anikulapo Kuti,” the statement read. “Fela was more than a musician. He was a fearless voice of the people, a philosopher of freedom, and a revolutionary force whose music confronted injustice and reshaped global sound. His courage, creativity, and conviction defined a generation and continue to inspire the world. In Yoruba mythology, he has transcended to a higher plane as an Orisa. He is now eternal.”
The president noted that Fela’s posthumous Grammy recognition highlights his enduring global influence and the foundational role he played in the evolution of African music. Fela becomes the first African artist to receive this prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, a testament to the international reach of his music and message.
Fela Kuti, born in Abeokuta, Ogun State, in 1938, was the founder of Afrobeat, a genre that blends traditional Nigerian rhythms with jazz, funk, highlife, and politically charged lyrics. His music often challenged authoritarian governments, criticized corruption, and gave voice to the marginalized, making him a symbol of resistance in Nigeria and beyond.
Throughout his career, Fela used music as a tool for social change. He lived a life of activism, often facing arrests, harassment, and violent attacks by authorities due to his outspoken criticism of military regimes. His communal home, the Kalakuta Republic, served as a hub for music, political discourse, and cultural expression.
President Tinubu highlighted that Fela’s influence extends beyond his music, describing him as a revolutionary figure whose ideas and artistry continue to inspire generations of musicians in Nigeria and around the world. “He defined Afrobeat, and you can hear and see his influence in generations of Nigerian musicians and in Afrobeats and beyond,” the president said.
Afrobeats, the contemporary Nigerian music genre that dominates global charts today, draws heavily on Fela’s pioneering sound. Artists such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, and Davido often cite Fela as an inspiration, blending elements of his rhythms and socially conscious lyrics into modern popular music.
Fela’s work also highlights the power of music as a vehicle for social and political change. Songs like Zombie, Sorrow, Tears and Blood, and Water No Get Enemy tackled corruption, oppression, and social injustice, leaving a legacy that continues to resonate in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle for transparency and accountability.
The Lifetime Achievement Award, given by the Recording Academy of America, recognizes artists who have made significant and lasting contributions to music worldwide. For Fela, this honor not only cements his status as a global music icon but also shines a spotlight on Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and the role of African music in shaping global sounds.
President Tinubu’s statement also referenced Yoruba mythology, noting that Fela has transcended earthly limits to a higher plane as an Orisa, ensuring that his legacy remains eternal. This cultural reference underscores the deep connection between Fela’s art, his Yoruba heritage, and his role as a national symbol of creativity and resistance.
Following the announcement, Nigerians and music lovers across the globe have celebrated the achievement on social media, sharing memories of Fela’s performances, videos, and lyrics. Many fans describe the recognition as long overdue for an artist whose work has had a lasting impact on music, culture, and social activism.
The president concluded his statement with a simple but powerful affirmation: “Fela lives.” The phrase has become synonymous with the enduring relevance of his music and ideas, symbolizing that his influence will continue to inspire not only musicians but also Nigerians and Africans who value freedom, creativity, and social justice.
Fela Kuti’s recognition by the Recording Academy of America reminds the world of the global reach of Nigerian music and the importance of celebrating cultural icons whose work transcends generations. As Nigeria rejoices in this honor, Fela’s legacy continues to live on, inspiring new generations of artists, activists, and music lovers both at home and abroad.